Valencia vs Villarreal by Jimeno

Valencia cruised to yet another victory away from home against Elche two weeks ago, as they completely controlled the game and the ball from the first moments. Final score, 4:0 victory for the visitors was completely justified and actually could have been even with a bigger margin in case the guests pressed their opponents a bit more.

Gomes opened the lead in 43rd minute, while Paco doubled up the lead at the start of the second half. Since then, they lowered the tempo a little and looked more to be dangerous on counter attacks, scoring two more goals, via an own goal in 71st and in the last moments of the game, fourth by Otamendi. This was their sixth victory in last seven matches in Primera, as the team currently stands at third position, being only four points away from the second placed Real Madrid. Aim for today's game is another victory, as the team has a chance now to come even closer to securing the Champions League ticket. Rodrigo is available after coming from suspension, while the hosts should actually only miss midfielder Enzo Perez (15/0) due injury.

Villarreal, on the other side, is in obvious downtrend of their form recently. The team isn't playing that offensive football anymore, combined with more defensive errors during their matches, it's a normal thing that their results aren't as good as they used to be. Still, the team is at sixth position and has every chance to get the Europa League ticket for next season.

They are currently five points above Malaga and should be able to keep the same position, but will also need to improve their form, at least when speaking about home matches. Currently, the side has only one victory in last seven matches in all competitions, as they also have scored only one goal in last three games. In the previous Primera game, they suffered 2:0 defeat at home against Sevilla, showing good approach to the game, but they lacked efficiency big time. Coach Marcelino has plenty of injuries to worry about, as the guests continue to miss team captain Bruno Soriano (27/2, midfielder), but also left back Adrian Marin (7/0), forward Denis Cheryshev and central defender Victor Ruiz (25/0), both being injured. Important offensive midfielder Moi Gomez (20/2) is suspended.

Valencia have won their last 7 home matches in La Liga.

Valencia have won their last 3 home matches against Villarreal.

Valencia is doing more than well at the moment and should be able to overcome Villarreal as the guests really do struggle at this point of the season. Additionally, they will miss couple of really important players and I believe their chances to stay undefeated here are far less than 50%, making this a very valuable bet.